Agroforestry and Soil Health Management

To improve food security and biodiversity, to farm sustainably whilst conscious of the environmental impact and at the same time providing an additional source of income.

THE CHALLENGE

Most subsistence farmers are not aware of the big advantages of growing trees on their farms to improve their livelihood. Additionally, because wood is the only source of fuel for cooking and the planting of trees is being neglected, the decline of trees is alarming and causing serious environmental problems. At the same time, farmers are not tapping into the potential of agroforestry to improve their food security.

OUR APPROACH

We have made it our mission to create awareness of the importance of agroforestry for the farms. We point out the great benefits such as improved agriculture productivity, dietary improvement, soil erosion control, water conservation, soil health improvement, improved biodiversity, etc.

We provide our farmers and schools with skills and resources to choose and raise the right trees for planting on their farms. This includes a big variety of trees and shrubs, like medicinal trees, fruit trees, fodder trees, trees for household fuel and much more.

The uptake of this activity by our farmers and schools has been extremely good. This can also be noticed in the changed farming landscape. The establishment and maintenance of tree nurseries has enabled many farmers and schools to earn an income.

"AGROFORESTRY IS A CRUCIAL BRIDGE BETWEEN FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURE. IT OPTIMIZES THE BENEFITS FROM THE BIOLOGICAL INTERACTION CREATED WHEN TREES AND/OR SHRUBS ARE DELIBERATELY COMBINED."

(FAO)

“GROWING VARIOUS TREES AND SHRUBS ON FARMS CAN PROVIDE FARMERS WITH FOOD, INCOME, FODDER AND MEDICINES AS WELL AS ENRICHING THE SOIL AND CONSERVING WATER"